miranbajrami59

"The Light Between Us"
In a town full of memories, the past is never really gone.

When 15-year-old Ryan Whitmore moves to Rosehill with his mom, he’s not just starting over—he’s running from everything he used to be. But small towns have long shadows, and Ryan quickly finds himself caught in something bigger than he expected. A girl who feels too familiar. A team he wasn’t supposed to lead. A truth that could ruin everything.

Between cheerleading tryouts, basketball tournaments, and late-night talks under the stars, Ryan, Anna, Ben, and Savannah are just trying to figure it all out. But secrets have a way of showing up—especially when you're finally starting to feel at home.

Basketball isn’t just a game here.
It’s where friendships are tested, futures are shaped, and second chances are earned.

THe Light Between us

Chapter twenty-two :Shooting Hoops

The sun dipped low over Rosehill, casting a soft golden hue across the town as Ryan made his way toward the old basketball court Mrs. Harper had pointed out a few days ago. His backpack bounced lightly against his back, and for the first time since arriving in this village, he didn't feel like a complete outsider.

Ben was already there, dribbling the ball lazily, missing shots on purpose and muttering dramatic complaints to himself. Ryan smirked as he approached.

"You call that a free throw?" Ryan said, dropping his bag beside the court.

Ben looked up, mock-offended. "I was warming up. You know, gotta let the rim feel confident before I crush it."

Ryan raised an eyebrow. "Sure. Let's see what you got."

They played for a while, passing the ball, trading light jabs about technique and form. Ben had heart, even if his shot was wildly inconsistent. Ryan, on the other hand, moved with instinct — his years of training showing in every fluid step, every flick of the wrist.

"Okay," Ben said, panting after a failed attempt to block Ryan's layup, "you're not just good — you're like, scary good. You played for your old school?"

Ryan nodded, wiping his forehead with his sleeve. "Yeah. Point guard."

Ben whistled. "You aiming to play here too?"

"Maybe," Ryan said, noncommittal. "Depends how things go."

There was a pause as Ben picked up the ball and passed it back. "It'd be cool. I mean… having you on the team."

Ryan caught it easily. "We'll see."

They played a few more rounds, the sky darkening above them. The court lights flickered on, casting long shadows over the asphalt. For a moment, it felt like they weren't in a tiny town surrounded by secrets — just two guys, finding rhythm in the silence between them.

"You ever think about going pro?" Ben asked as they slowed down, catching their breath.

"Used to," Ryan replied, voice quieter now. "Not sure anymore."

Ben nodded like he understood, and maybe he did. "Well, if you ever need someone to

miss half their shots while pretending to be your rival… I'm your guy."

Ryan chuckled — a rare sound, even to himself. "Noted."

As they gathered their things and started walking home, the bond between them had shifted — not just two classmates anymore, but teammates in the making.